F.X. Pichler

When Franz Xaver took over the Pichler family estate from his father as the fourth generation, the total vineyard holdings were around three hectares. The estate has now grown to 20 hectares and the vineyards are planted with 50% Grüner Veltliner, 48% Riesling and 2% Sauvignon Blanc. Franz Xaver (FX for short) now runs the estate together with his son Lucas and daughter-in-law Johanna.

Grüner Veltliner clone
Franz Pichler senior succeeded in selecting an old Grüner Veltliner clone with small grapes, which ensures a higher must weight and more extract, as early as 1928. This clone is still planted in the vineyards today. Most of the vineyards are located on the best slopes in Dürnstein and Loiben: Dürnsteiner Kellerberg, Loibner Loibenberg and Loibner Steinertal. These steep terraced vineyards originate from the 13th century and are still cultivated by hand.

Individuality and authenticity
Authenticity is the Pichler family’s credo. They want to make wines that reflect the vintage, the soil and the unique microclimate of the Wachau. Pichler strives for a lot of individuality in his wines. He wants to make the fine nuances of the different vineyards noticeable and tasteable in their versatility and uniqueness. He achieves this through strict selection and low yields.

Super quartet
Together with Emmerich Knoll, Toni Bodenstein from Prager and Franz Hirtzberger, Pichler belongs to the Wachau super quartet and the world’s leading producers of white wine.